Northrop Grumman successfully transferred radar data from an RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 40 remotely piloted aircraft to an E-8C JSTARS ground-surveillance airplane, announced the company. This exchange, which took place on Feb. 25, was the first collaborative effort to transfer ground-moving target radar data from a Global Hawk to a JSTARS, according to the company’s March 6 release. “This is a significant leap forward in terms of possible capabilities for our warfighters,” said Bryan Lima, the company’s JSTARS program director. He added, “Operators in the JSTARS aircraft were able to use the Global Hawk as an adjunct sensor. We were able to display and use the Global Hawk’s radar data on the JSTARS.” Operators could then relay the information from the Global Hawk to ground forces, who would benefit from the expanded surveillance area offered by the linked airborne platforms, stated the company.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vowed to undertake far-reaching reforms on the way the U.S. military buys weapons, promising a sweeping overhaul of the way the Defense Department determines requirements, handles the acquisition process, and tests its kit. The fundamental goal, which Hegseth underscored in a 1-hour and 10-minute speech…
